Team Canada Ready For Opening Match at Under 21 Pan-Am Cup

Canada is opening it’s Under 21 Volleyball Pan American Cup later tonight.

The team will kick off their tournament against Guatemala, a familiar foe.

In the 2016 Men’s Junior NORCECA Volleyball Championship, Canada beat the Guatemalans to win the bronze. However, they did lose to the United States in the semis who would eventually win the tournament and clinch a spot in this year’s World Championship.

“Last summer was more a summer a development as we were young. Most of the players were coming from high school and now, we’re one year older and we can see the difference now, ” said Head Coach Gino Brousseau.

To get a spot in the upcoming tournament, Brousseau notes the team must be the best from NORCECA – North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation.

Captain Matt Mawdsley tells Mix News the team shouldn’t have any troubles clinching the spot.

“With our size and experience, I think if we play our system, play our game, and play on our side of the net we won’t have a problem coming out on top here. It will be tough games don’t get me wrong but I have confidence in the team.”

Keyano College will be hosting the tournament.

This will be some sort of a homecoming for a few players. Max Vriend, Jesse Elser, and Jacob Kern are all from Alberta.

“It’s going to be really cool, I got the family coming out,” said Kern, who’s from Edmonton.